Seine: Holiday Magic
For anyone who did the Seine: Holiday Magic last year during Christmas week, I have a few questions (I did ask Tauck but they were very vague - probably because this is only the second year so no history). We are arriving a few days early so I am trying to plan activities for those days and do not want to overlap with Tauck's activities.
On Day 3 (December 25), I was told there are no scheduled activities off the boat but we could probably head off on our own. Did anyone do this - was anything open - or was it nice just to walk the quiet streets?
Since Sainte-Chapelle was originally scheduled for Day 3, I was told it would be moved to Day 2. They were not sure if the original Day 2 activities might also be done - walking tour, Xmas markets, etc. Do you remember what your activities were for the day before Christmas?
If you arrived early and stayed at the InterContinental, what activities were convenient to the hotel? Any not to miss activities?
How was the InterContiental or would you suggest we book another hotel on our own?
Thank you for your help!
Comments
I’m not sure why you would book a different hotel on your own unless there is a cost issue. If it is not your first Tauck tour you get a free nIght. Also you might get transport from the airport but would have to make your own way to the Tauck hotel to start the tour.
People report special unadvertised activities on the ship on Christmas Day.
The InterContinental Hotel is a beautiful establishment with very nice dining options, although outdoor seating will probably not be an option that time of year.
The hotel is in a great location and is adjacent to the Opera House. If interested, check their website for performances. We had very nice lunches there.
We were on a different holiday market tour over Christmas and there were plenty of onboard festivities and surprises. We also had special dinners on both the 24th and 25th.
Enjoy!
The Intercontinental is well located. The Opera house is right across the street and worth a tour. Both Galleries Lafayette and Printemps dept stores are a couple of blocks away. The galleries is beautiful all year but definitely worth a visit at Christmas to see the decorations. It also has a roof terrace with a great view of Paris and it doesn't require $$ or stairs to see. The Opera metro station is close so you can get anywhere else you want to visit. We're doing the cruise earlier in the month and this will be our second time at that hotel and the third in that area. Our group also booked a night time Christmas lights tour with a company called Tootsbus. It starts right at the hotel and ends near the two stores I mentioned.
As to what's open on Christmas Day - churches obviously. Some restaurants. Few museums - you need to check individual websites. Public transport operates but on a reduced holiday schedule. If the ship is docked where it has in the past - Quay de Grenelle - it's close to the Eiffel tower so you could walk along the river to there. I believe the tower is open on Christmas day so start looking on their website about 60 days out to see if you can book a time slot. There may be some vendors nearby selling food/drink.
Loved the InterContinental. All the reasons above, plus the hotel's Cafe de la Paix for your morning breakfasts!